There are some categories of people for whom it is reported that probiotics can be dangerous, I feel as though it would be sensible to list these before promoting probiotic megadosing to all. Here’s a quote I found. I’m not a doctor.

Since probiotics contain live microorganisms, there is a slight chance that these preparations might cause pathological infection, particularly in critically ill or severely immunocompromised patients. Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus have also been reported to cause bacteremia in patients with short-bowel syndrome, possibly due to altered gut integrity.
Caution is also warranted in patients with central venous catheters, since contamination leading to fungemia has been reported when Saccharomyces capsules were opened and administered at the bedside.
Lactobacillus preparations are contraindicated in persons with a hypersensitivity to lactose or milk. S. boulardii is contraindicated in patients with a yeast allergy. No contraindications are listed for bifidobacteria, since most species are considered nonpathogenic and nontoxigenic.

I took 950 trillion probiotic supplement daily by VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This was by prescription. The description of the product says it is a medical food for the management of Ulcerative Colitis and Ileal Pouch. I took it because I had to be on an anitbiotic treatment for 3 months and my gut bacteria of course was wiped out. I had no negative reaction from taking it daily. Only probiotics that contain pectin give me bad reactions.

Can you post the complete recipe/way of how to do it properly?

Generally if you drink kefir, especially home made grain varity, you’re megadosing.
1 ml can contain 10 billion CFU. Table spoon can contain 150 billion CFU.
Kefir contain 10 to 34 probiotic species and some vitamins that they produce.
Pills seem more like placebo to me, never felt any beneficial effects from 5 billion CFU pills.

Congrats Kyle, very encouraging post.

You said the gastroparesis was caused by the neuropathy. I’m wondering though if it was the other way around — if the gastro caused the numbness? — especially if the probiotics helped make a difference.

Also I’m curious which strains of probiotics did you use? I have gut motility issues as well…

I have an auto immune disease to. Its a type of neurological disease (very similar but never seen before) called CIDP. I threw up literally for 5 yrs. At one point had a nutritionist actually convince me “I had too much good bacteria”. Can’t believe I bought it. But in fact it was gastroparesis caused by neuropathy. I was numb but able to move until I was started on immunoglobulin infusions and guess what… 100bill probiotics. I was in a wheelchair for 3 yrs now working my ass to get my life back… Walking! I’ve seen plenty of nutritionists and all but one said go with 100 bill or you might as not do it.

I do not think this is safe for the average person to do.

I have an autoimmune disorder, but doctors still don’t understand my disease. Certain drugs and foods throw my body into a panic – vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, flu symptoms. I am certainly a “special snowflake,” but my word of caution is still important.

I took an “extra strength” probiotic with 100 billion CFUs. Very reputable brand, no gluten/corn/wheat/soy. I have been taking 5-30 billion CFUs for years.

I experienced the same eosinophilia myalgia syndrome-type symptoms I had from taking L-tryptophan (also not safe due to an alternative metabolic pathway it takes to become a neurotoxin).

There are two recent reported cases of older women suffering neurological damage from mega-dosing probiotics. They were hospitalized and are damaged for life.

The amount of threads you will find with people describing rashes and itchiness from megadosing probiotics is disturbing.

I went to school for the sciences and I am not claiming to be an expert. But “too much of a good thing is not a good thing” often rings true. High doses of bacteria can aggravate anyone’s immune system.

I personally stick to the <10 billion CFU recomended dosage and no longer partake in nootropics. Our bodies are sensitive systems and both the women hospitalized were megadosing for weeks before they ended up in the hospital, in pain and paralyzed. Be weary.

Joe,

What was the probiotic — the 280 billion dose — you took that gave you such bliss and such a high?

Thanks in advance.

Good bacteria also binds the pesticides and other toxins from the gut. So we lose lot of them anyway.

Different species of bacteria placed together will compete for space
and try to dominate each other, resulting in competitive exclusion by
the dominant species. In vitro studies have shown that when you place
different species together, the dominant (strongest) species will usually
produce bacteriocins that kill closely related species. For example, one
study in a prestigious microbiology journal showed that a certain strain
of L. acidophilus produced bacteriocins (antibiotics that work against
same, or closely related species by adsorption to receptors on the
target cells) that inhibited L. delbrueckii, L. bulgaricus, L. fermentum,
Lactococcus lactis, and Enterococcus fecalis.21 Look at the list of
ingredients, and you’ll see that many probiotic companies package these
same species together all in one bottle or capsule. – listen to your gut by jini patel thomson.
Basically the desired effect if diminished when you have a wide spectrum of strains. I believe what it is saying is that its just not as successful. If you had ingested super strain probiotics maybe the results would have been different. Anywho just a thought wish you the best in trial and error research, its very helpful tp anyone looking for answers and suggestions!

Hi Joseph,
I have suffered from CFS for 15 years. Can you recommend a probiotic if one is TH2 dominant? I’m looking at Prescript Assist,but am unsure if it would be appropriate for Th2 dominance?

Your erudite posts continue to amaze me. From this one I gather that you know a good bit more than most about probiotics. I have read that the gut contributes dopamine to the nervous system. Could that be part of the euphoria you and readers have found from megadoses of probiotics?
Is there any of gut bacteria that could be singled out as producing dopamine?

Heah Jo. Another interesting post (aren’t they always :-)).

So I ordered some VSL3 last week and it arrived on Friday. Decided to go for a double dose (900 billion), as I have had a pesky cold for a few weeks and am aware of immune system connection to the gut. I must say I did notice and improved sense of mood and generally happier.

Yesterday prior to the gym I had a single dose and again could feel the positive effects. Actually took it alongside my preworkout.

I’m hoping and fairly optimistic that it will be able to knock this cold on the head. Will report back in a few days

Last week I took 5 pills of the Swanson probiotic around 3pm and felt amazing for the rest of the day 🙂 I felt really positive and had much more energy.
I was upset and sad that day so that really helped, thank you !
I am a bit intolerant to eggs too so I am curious to know if it would work.

You mentioned taking black seed oil and cod liver oil with probiotics, can I please ask what the benefits are ? Thanks !!

Have you tried Bacillus Coagulans? Its spore forming and survives well, Thorne Research sells a good one and top review on Amazon says to ferment it. I’d imagine fermenting in sugar water or milk would increase the quantity to significant amounts.